Muskingum County Sheriff's Department, Ohio
End of Watch Tuesday, January 8, 2002
Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Robert Michael Tanner, Jr.
It's been 2 years now...and i miss you more each day. There isn't one single day that goes by that i don't think of you. Everyday, something happens to me to let me know that you're still watching over me. I love you so much and miss you so much more.
Jeanette
Neice, Jeanette Tanner
January 7, 2004
As President of the 2003 Indiana Police Unity Tour we were honored to carry from Indianapolis to Washington, DC the photo of Deputy Tanner along with those other officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in each state that we bicycled through. Spending time with the Tanner family May 4, 2003 made me proud of what we were accomplishing and please know the name Robert Michael Tanner, Jr. will be a hero I will never forget.
First Sergeant Gary Dudley
Indiana State Police
I had the opportunity to meet Mrs. Tanner during the National Police Week last week in DC. It was an honor to meet her and watch and look to see how strong she is. Her husband was a wonderful man (through the stories I have read) and I'm just extremely sorry things ended up the way they did.
Stephanie Betts (Lima, OH), Sister of Officer Christopher Betts (EOW 12-22-02) East Point, GA
Stephanie Betts
5-14-03 Today we fly the flag at half staff in your honor Robert. Having been in London last week, at the FOP Lodge 83 on Saturday and knowing your family and friends are in DC I hope you are watching and knowing how much you are missed!
In memory, prayer and thanksgiving for your ultimate sacrafice! ~~The Wife of One Left Behind
We are all getting ready to go to Washington DC in a few days...You and the many other officers that were killed in the line of duty are going to be honored for protecting our your community. It's going to be a tough week but it will all be amazing.
i miss you so much and there isn't a day that goes by that i don't think about you. I love you so much!
Neice, Jeanette Tanner
IT HAS BEEN 1 YR AND 2 MONTHS SINCE THE DAY YOU LEFT US. THE LAST WORDS YOU EVER SAID STILL ECHO IN MY HEAD EVERYDAY. I MISS YOU AND YOUR STRONG PERSONALITY. THANK YOU FOR WATCHING OVER ALL OF US, YOU ARE OUR ANGEL IN THE SKY.
D12
MUSKINGUM CO SO
Robert from your days of being a security officer at the Zanesville campus to becoming a law enforcement officer and then marrying a very dear friend -- you touched my life in many ways you could have never known. Now more than ever you must know you still change lives with each passing day. May the Lord bless you and keep you, may his face shine upon you, may you have peace -- as we must have knowing you are looking down upon those you loved and cared for while you were lent to us here on earth! A smile that will be remembered always -- blessings and love to your family who must continue on without your touch.
Spouse of an officer prayed for everyday
Too sad for words. May God comfort all of you who are still suffering from this tragedy. Draw near to the Lord and He will draw near to you.
Feb. 8, 2003
Lynn Kole
Washington State
Know that the most precious and treasured gifts you left behind are being taken care of, loved, and looked after in the most tender, caring, and thoughtful ways you yourself went about doing things. Thank you for listening to my prayers and thank you for continuing to come to me with your guidance. I struggle to carry on but will because I knew one of the most mentally strongest individuals--YOU....I will keep my promise to you, fore I know if roles were reversed you would keep it for me. It's simply part of the unconditional love we shared.
Wife
01-08-2003
I don't even know where to start. Its a year today but it hurts just like you were taken from us yesterday. I think about you everyday and ask why? I am grateful to have become so close to "Yonk", and her parents, I think of them as my family. I don't know how I would have gotten through this year without them. I know now why you loved them so much. I miss you calling me and saying "What are you doing", I miss your voice. I got the opportunity to see you the night before that horrible day, and wish we would have said more, spent some time catching up. Its not fair and I just wanted to tell you how proud you would be of everyone and how strong they have been..I will think of you always and how special you are to me. I miss you Tanner!! "17"
Deputy Nicole Detty
Muskingum County Sheriffs Office
Robert,
It has been one year today - a very difficulty year. The words are swimming in my head and my heart aches. We miss you so very much. There isn't a day that Phil and I don't talk about you!! Phil is keeping his promise to you - taking care of Jennifer. You will ALWAYS be in our hearts - NEVER forgotten. Please watch over and protect each of us left behind. May your spirit stay in our hearts and give us the guidance and strength we need. We love you very much.
Mother and Father-in-law
Bev & Phil
It's been a year without you here. I don't know how everyone got through it. You are so greatly missed by everyone and will never be forgotten. I miss you and love you so much!
"You are the wind beneath my wings..."
Jeanette Tanner
You gave the ultimate sacrifice. Robert, You may be gone, but you will NEVER be forgotten. We are all family in this job, sometimes we are the only family each other has. In pace requiescat, Rest in peace! Keep a watch on the rest of us as we go on shift each day.
"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way that when you die, the world will cry and you will rejoice." (American Indian Prayer)
Isaiah 40:31
Ptl. Kimberly Moses
MTSU Campus PD, TN
To Tanners family and friends: "I have no words to express to you my sadness of the loss of Robert. The world is a lesser place without him, but I know he is with God and the Angels and even Heaven is improved with his presence there. I know you to are sure of this and yet this knowledge can't deminish his loss and your grief."
A Brother in Blue
Officer Spencer Salyers 58
Whitehall Police Department
I can't believe it's almost been a year... it seems like it was only yesterday when we were skiing together. I remember everything perfectly. Merry Christmas in Heaven, i miss you so much. I love you!
Neice, Jeanette Tanner
I will never forget the day I saw Jennifer happy, truly happy, for the first time. Tanner, it was with you! I graduated high school with your wife over ten years ago, through all kinds of changes--good..and more good, ofcourse :) Then there came you. You were her final stage. Her love...Her life. I thank you now for loving my dear friend. You live in her, still. You forever will. I have been with Jennifer many nights as her heart cried out for you. I would do anything to bring you back to her. The love I feel she had for you, through her pain and suffering, is beyond words. I am deeply saddened as I watch my dear friend go through pure hell because of such a senseless act by three senseless beings. Please Lord, let justice prevail. Tanner, you are the definition of a true officer. "17" Always. God Bless you.
Misty Burke
Best Friend of Mrs. Tanner
I MISS YOU!
71
I love you much and I miss you more....
Jennifer
Wife
R. T.
There has not been a day go by since you were taken from us that we haven't thought of you or your family. Patty, Colin, Clay and I miss you very much.
Deputy Sheriff
Muskingum County Sheriff's Office
God must have truly needed an angel to be by His side because He called my Uncle Robbie up to Heaven. He chose a great man who was friendly, loving and most of all...honored. You will always be loved, forever in our hearts, and never forgotten. My you rest in peace...
Neice, Jeanette Tanner
Our condolences to the family and friends of Dep. Tanner. And to our brother, thank you.
Dep. M. Moore
Warren Co. S.O.
Tanner --- it is June 27,2002......we think about you everyday and it has been a hard 6 months.the community has been very supportive and that has helped everybody....we miss you... but god took a very good person from us that evening S-17 you're missed very much
Anonymous
As the Indiana Police Unity Bicycle Tour made its way through Ohio we met Jennifer Tanner and Polly Lutz both survivors. I came to talk to Jennifer's father and made me realize how much pain not only is Jennifer suffering but her family as well. My heart felt sympathy goes out to each survivor and their families. Although we do not know why we must find comfort in knowing that those that gave the ultimate sacrifice are looking down upon us and protecting us. Jennifer and Polly you each only need to look up and I guarantee you your husbands are touching you and your love for one another will never end.
God Bless both of you and we look forward to seeing you both next year as we again pass through your town.
First Sergeant Gary Dudley
Indiana State Police
Bobby, you are not here with us today but you are far from forgotten, Thank you for being the Man you were and know that you will never be gone from all who served with you.
Patrolman Brent Tague
Dresden Police Dept.
patrolman
Dresden Police Dept.
Tanner,
I did not know you, however after spending time in D.C. this past week for Police Memorial Week, and becoming friends with your wonderful wife, and her dear friend, I feel as though I knew you personally. My heart goes out to your wife, family and many friends at this sad time. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, AND YOU ARE SORELY MISSED. I'm certain that you, Thatcher, as well as the many others with badges had something to do with the double rainbow at the candle light vigil. Your family will be constantly watched over and protected by the "guys and girls" with badges left behind here on earth. I carry a constant reminder of your supreme sacrifice upon my chest. Rest in Peace, my brother.
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